1.1A Senate resolution1.2congratulating the Shop with Cops program on its 20-year anniversary.1.3WHEREAS, those civic-minded individuals who work tirelessly in their communities perform 1.4an important service deserving of special legislative recognition; and1.5WHEREAS, Shop with Cops was founded in the winter of 2000 through the collaboration 1.6of John Harrington, then a Senior Commander with the St. Paul Police Department, and
Dr. Arnoldo 1.7Curiel, then coordinator of the Frogtown Weed and Seed initiative, to foster relationships
between 1.8youth and police officers through shared positive experiences; and1.9WHEREAS, children in kindergarten through grade 6 are selected each holiday season to 1.10shop at a local area store and purchase gifts for their family members with the guidance
and 1.11supervision of police personnel; after their shopping trip, each child shares lunch,
wraps gifts, and 1.12socializes with the police officer; and1.13WHEREAS, since the program's conception 20 years ago, the Frogtown and 1.14Summit-University communities have grown and changed in such a way that they no longer
qualify 1.15for Weed and Seed funding and therefore local residents volunteer and contribute to
ensure this 1.16valuable program continues operation; and1.17WHEREAS, Shop with Cops has served over 3,300 children from St. Paul, has raised over 1.18$350,000 through fund-raising and grants, and has worked with over 1,500 volunteers
and 200 1.19police officers to date, inspiring over 25 cities nationwide to begin similar programs;
and1.20NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it 1.21commends those involved with the founding and continuation of Shop with Cops in St.
Paul and 1.22extends its warm wishes for the future success of the program.2.1BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an 2.2enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature
and that of the 2.3Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Shop with
Cops.